on line

1 of 2

phrase

Synonyms of on linenext
: in or into operation
bringing the new factory on line

online

2 of 2

adjective

: connected to, served by, or available through a system and especially a computer or telecommunications system (such as the Internet)
an online database
also : done while connected to such a system
online shopping
online games
online searching
online adverb

Examples of on line in a Sentence

Adjective The city libraries are all online. He likes to engage in online chats.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Once recruited, victims were allegedly forced to conduct romance scams, fake cryptocurrency investment schemes and other online frauds targeting victims abroad. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026 The online threats included photographs of guns, according to the statement. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026 According to online records, TCEQ issued a violation notice to the owners of the Escondido Village site in February 2025 after someone reported raw sewage being discharged as result of a malfunction at the wastewater treatment facility. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2026 Wilson’s mugshot exploded across social media, sparking a wave of online fixation as many women openly romanticized his looks. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on line

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of on line was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20line. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

online

adjective
ˈȯn-ˈlīn
ˈän-
: relating to or connected to a computer or telecommunications system (as the Internet)
an online database
online adverb

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